James Wade expressed his disappointment that Mickey Mansell refused to shake hands with him after his win at the Players Championship Finals. Wade wanted to avoid the same fate as Rob Cross and Dave Chisnall. Jonny Clay, Mike De Decker, and Jonny Clayton who also left the tournament, played at Butlin’s Minehead Resort, at the first hurdle.
The Machine, who defeated Mansell by a score of 6 to 1, smashed two tons and 50 percent of his double attempts.
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Wade stared Mansell down on camera as he waited to make eye contact
Wade, who has attended the tournament since its inception in 2009, said that Mansell’s slow and methodical play makes it “hard work” to be on the oche.
Wade told reporters, “I shook him hand and said ‘best wishes’ but he didn’t return it. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed but it is as it is.”
In the second round, he will face Joe Cullen and Peter Wright.
Wade, who has reached the World Championship semi-finals four times during his stellar career, was in good spirits when asked about the PDC confirming a £1m prize for the 2026 winner at Alexandra Palace.”I remember Barry [Hearn] – we were in South Africa in excess of 15 years ago – and he said ‘World Championship, £1m to the winner’ and I was like ‘Oh, okay,’ because Barry tells a lot of great stories.”He did exactly what he wanted and I do not think he’s finished yet. Unfortunately, Barry won’t live until he is 150 – if he did it would be like £100m!”But he did amazing. “Matchroom has been incredible so thank you very, much.”
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Luke Littler won the World Matchplay final with an impressive win against James Wade.
Wade won the Players Championship 19, in Leicester, with a series vintage displays.
2025-11-21 17:47:00
